In the centre is a robotic version of the Vitruvian man. On the right is a large version of MENE's logo. On the left the PASS Ltd is on a white background. Above it large text reads "We're exhibiting Stand No. 42". Beneath the PASS logo, large orange text reads "Join Us". Across the bottom of the banner, white text on a blue background reads "28 November 2024 Vertu Motors Arena Newcastle Upon Tyne".

Newcastle’s Vertu Motors Arena, home to the Newcastle Eagles basketball club, was buzzing on Thursday 28th November but not with the sound of a match. Instead, the court was dominated by the North East’s premier manufacturing and engineering suppliers, educators, and experts. PASS Ltd, an eminent provider of test equipment, training, and calibration within the North East of England and beyond, was thrilled to be one of the eighty-plus organisations exhibiting at the show.

Quick Links

Welcome to MENE 2024

A cornerstone of the North East’s engineering calendar, MENE is an important networking opportunity for professionals, institutions, and companies in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. One quick sweep of the eighty-strong exhibitor stalls is enough to showcase the staggering breadth of the engineering and manufacturing industries, encompassing everything from electrical component sourcing to adhesive specialists, 3D printing, and energy-efficiency tools.

Orange text on a blue background reads "The region is a hotbed of engineering and manufacturing companied and we want to shout about that.". The quote is encased in oversized orange quotation marks diagonally opposite each other. At the bottom, smaller orange text reads "~ Simon Bonell, MENE Event Director".

Companies were showcasing their latest innovations such as a Formula 1 simulator (a particular favourite with the engineering students); a VR headset; and an array of robots including a dog (more creepy than cute, thank you University of Sunderland for the nightmares); laser scanners for, as one LK Metrology representative humorously but succinctly put it, “measuring s**t”; and a light-up, movement-tracking robot designed by an innovative five-year-old as part of Primary Engineer’s engagement initiative. Soundtracking the event was a string of speakers sharing their insights from the centre stage, directly visible from PASS Ltd’s stand. An archipelago of round tables, strewn with business cards and industry publications The Engineer, Eureka, and Fast, framed the stage. A gentle chatter hummed underneath the sound of presentations as exhibitors and visitors ate and networked at these island tables.  

PASS’ Diversity of Services Triumph at MENE 2024

As a test equipment distributor, training provider, and calibration/repair centre located in the North East of England, PASS Ltd has always been keen to exhibit locally. Despite being a hive of manufacturing and engineering, trade shows often overlook the North East of England. A lack of exhibitions reduces awareness of the latest technologies and withholds key networking opportunities, potentially stunting the growth of extraordinary local businesses. MENE looks to address this imbalance. It offers one of the only opportunities to meet and help local manufacturing, engineering, and service companies. PASS is enthusiastic about this, so attending MENE was a chance too perfect to miss.

Orange text on a blue background reads "We've got something for every business.". The quote is encased in oversized orange quotation marks diagonally opposite each other. At the bottom, smaller orange text reads "~ David Atkins, PASS Ltd Sales Manager".

This year, PASS occupied a central stand opposite the main stage. Displaying an eclectic selection of test equipment, such as solar clamps, power quality analysers, thermal cameras, and acoustic imagers, we attracted an array of delegates including manufacturers (from cars to electrical components); service providers (e.g. logistics, materials handling, and cleaning); engineers, and students.

Key to PASS’ success is our diversity of services, as Sales Manager David Atkins explains. No matter what your challenge or obstacle, PASS will help you overcome it, whether through providing critical test equipment, additional training, or repair/calibration services. David Atkins points out that:

“[…] because of the range of products and services that [PASS Ltd] offer, there’s not a lot that we can’t assist with… We’ve got something for every business.”

~ David Atkins, PASS Ltd Sales Manager

David Atkins also comments that this year one of the biggest draws to PASS’ stand was the FLIR Si2 Acoustic Imaging Camera. Designed to see ultrasonic sound, this FLIR camera is one of several models in the emerging acoustic imaging market. Intended to help industry professionals locate, quantify, and prioritise the repair of faults, such as compressed gas leaks, bearing wear, and partial discharge, acoustic imaging cameras can save businesses time, money, and carbon emissions. It’s easy to see why this instrument garnered so much attention!

Two FLIR Si2 Acoustic Camera. The one on the left is angled to show the array of microphones. The one on the right faces backwards, displaying the screen.

Browse Acoustic Imaging Cameras

MENE 2024 Praises PASS’ Presence at Event

Amongst the vibrancy of MENE, PASS was lucky enough to speak to Event Director Simon Bonell.

Orange text on a blue background reads "[PASS Ltd] being here is supporting us and helping spread the word about North East manufacturing and engineering"~ Simon Bonell, MENE Event Director".

Simon Bonell explains that he noticed manufacturing and engineering professionals from the North East were not travelling to exhibitions further south. He was also aware of the lack of trade shows in the North East of England. Concerned by this, Simon Bonell and his team decided to resurrect Manufacturing and Engineering North East. Launched in 2016, MENE was forced to cease in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was relaunched in 2023 by popular demand. With the relaunch came a new venue. MENE chose to host their show at the Vertu Motors Arena, a charity venue that re-invests all the money it generates into the local community.

When curating the show, diversity was at the forefront of the MENE team's plan. Simon Bonell explains that MENE wanted to showcase as many companies from the region as possible, adding:

“[…] if you can do business with North East engineers we feel you should be at this show…[PASS Ltd] being here is supporting us and helping spread the word about North East manufacturing and engineering. The region is a hotbed of engineering and manufacturing companies and we want to shout about that.”

~ Simon Bonell, MENE Event Director

Further Information

PASS Ltd is a leading supplier of test equipment, training, and calibration. We stock an array of electrical, gas, thermal, industrial, and telecom products by leading manufacturers such as FLIR, Fluke, Megger, Seaward, Testo, and Trend Networks. In addition, we offer standard and UKAS calibration on a range of test equipment and tools and deliver City & Guilds accredited training courses across the nation.

For more details on any of these services, please don’t hesitate to contact our team on 01642 931 329 or via our online form.

Browse Test Equipment

Book Calibration

View Training Courses

For more information about Manufacturing & Engineering North East, including a list of MENE 2024 exhibitors and details of next year's show, please click the link below.

Visit MENE